Debtor and Creditor (play)

Debtor and Creditor (German: Der Gläubiger) is a play written in 1888 by Swedish playwright August Strindberg. It is considered a key work of Naturalist drama and explores themes of power dynamics in relationships, financial manipulation, and the destructive nature of psychological warfare within a marriage.

The play centers on the characters of Tekla, her former husband Gustav, and her current husband Adolf. Gustav, having been financially ruined by Tekla, seeks revenge on her and Adolf by exploiting their vulnerabilities. He subtly manipulates Adolf's ego and insecurities, leading him to question Tekla's fidelity, talent as a writer, and even his own sanity.

Through carefully crafted dialogue and increasingly tense interactions, Strindberg portrays a complex web of resentment, jealousy, and control. Gustav's machinations gradually undermine Adolf's confidence and stability, pushing him to the brink of collapse. Debtor and Creditor examines how financial dependence can translate into emotional and psychological dominance, and how past relationships can continue to exert a powerful influence on the present.

The play is notable for its stark realism and its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of human relationships. It is a significant example of Strindberg's exploration of gender roles and the battle of the sexes, recurring themes in his dramatic works. Debtor and Creditor continues to be performed and studied for its insightful commentary on the complexities of marriage and the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and resentment.